Rubber has been a part of human history since it was first discovered by humans more than 2000 years ago. Over time, the applications and uses of rubber products have grown and extended to almost every aspect of our lives, from the tires we use for our cars and the toys we play with as children, to medical equipment and safety gear.
It’s no surprise, then, that rubber has been responsible for a “rubber revolution,” revolutionizing the way in which we make and use rubber products. Behind this revolution, however, lies the crucial role that active agents play in the production and application of rubber.
What are Active Agents?
Active agents are processing chemicals that are added to rubber during production in order to make the rubber more useful and give it the desired qualities. They come in different forms, such as antiozonants, antioxidants, accelerators, and activators.
For example, antiozonants are added to rubber products to delay their aging and keep them in good condition, while accelerators are added to speed up the vulcanization process, allowing the rubber to be produced faster.
The Impact of Active Agents
The introduction of active agents has had a tremendous impact on rubber production and application.
- Improved Performance: Adding active agents to rubber allows it to perform better and last longer. With the ability to speed up production and enhance its quality, rubber products can now be produced faster and at a lower cost.
- Increased Safety: Active agents also enhance rubber’s safety characteristics, making rubber products safer to use in a variety of contexts. For example, antioxidants are added to rubber to make it more resistant to oxidation, making it safer to use in environments such as car tires.
- Enhanced Durability: Active agents can also be used to increase a rubber product’s resistance to heat, cold, chemicals, and wear and tear, helping the rubber to last longer and stand the test of time.
The Bottom Line
In short, active agents have been indispensable in the rubber revolution. Without them, rubber products would not be as safe, durable, and cost-effective as they are today. We owe much of our rubber products’ success and comfort to the active agents that make rubber production and application possible.
